Abstract

Spintronics of antiferromagnets is a new and rapidly developing field of the physics of magnetism. Even without macroscopic magnetization,antiferromagnets, similar to ferromagnetic materials are affected by spin-polarized current, and as in ferromagnets this phenomenon is based on a spin-dependent interaction between localized and free electrons. However, due to the nature of antiferromagnetic materials (complex magnetic structure, essential role of exchange interactions, absence of macroscopic magnetization) the study of possible spintronic effects requires new theoretical and experimental approaches. The purpose of this review is to systemize and describe recent developments in this area. After presenting the main features of structure and behavior of antiferromagnets various microscopic and phenomenological models for description of the current-induced phenomena in heterostructures containing ferro- and antiferromagnetic layers are considered. The questions related to an effect of antiferromagnetic ordering on an electric current, as well as the questions of possible creation of fully antiferromagnetic spin valves are discussed. In addition, we briefly discuss available experimental results and try to interpret them.

The work was performed under the Program for Basic Research of Department of Physics and Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and also partially supported by a Grant of MES (E.G.) and a Grant SIMTECH No. 246937 of European Programme FP7 (V.L.).

Article outline:IntroductionI. Spintronics of ferromagnetsII. sd-exchange and spintronic phenomena in ferromagnetic texturesIII. Structure and features of antiferromagnetsA. A description of the low-frequency dynamics of antiferromagnetsB. Features in the description of dissipative effects in antiferromagnetsC. A phenomenon of exchange biasD. An effect of size and shape of antiferromagnetic particles on their propertiesIV. Spin dynamics of antiferromagnets in the presence of currentA. A discrete heterostructure FM/AFMB. Two antiferromagnetic layers: Is the polarization possible?C. A spin transfer from antiferromagnet to ferromagnet: A recoil effectV. An experimental observation of spintronic effects in antiferromagnetic structuresConclusion

Key Topics

[Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the
magnetic materials therefor; Selection of materials for their magnetic
properties, Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials therefor; Selection of materials for their magnetic properties]